I have been listening to Meatloaf’s classic album “Bat Out of Hell” lately. I can tell you that the album is great and I can also tell you that prices on immaculate original early production Royal Oak watches, like this B serial watch, are rising like the proverbial Bat Out of Hell. Gerald Genta nailed it with the Royal Oak, back in 1972. His watches are just now being appreciated by the watch marketplace for the genius of their design. Prices have more than doubled in a short period of time.

This B serial number (B 15XX) watch is in mint+ unpolished condition. The instantly recognizable case features its famous octagonal bezel, with all case edges beveled and alternating between mirror and brushed finishes. Sapphire crystal. Solid case back with ‘Royal Oak’ and the serial number. The ‘B’ serial number production dates to 1976-1979.

Blue-gray dial with petit tapisserie engraving, the ‘AP’ located above 6 o’clock which indicates that this is a model 5402, date at 3 o’clock and applied baton hour markers and hands, both with inlaid luminous. The dial is immaculate with no flaking or other imperfections.

Audemars Piguet automatic winding Caliber 2121 with 36 jewels. This movement received an overhaul by AP in mid-2015.

The Royal Oak is really all about its case, of which the bracelet is an integral part of. The bracelet on this watch is as clean, crisp and immaculate as the watch itself.